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Dempsey Visits Troops in Afghanistan as Part of USO Tour

455th Air Expeditionary Wing/Navy Media Content Services

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 10, 2013  Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and his USO holiday tour arrived here yesterday to visit with and entertain U.S. service members, civilians and contractors.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses service members during a United Service Organizations’ holiday troop visit at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Newman(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"It is a rare privilege to host the Chairman and the USO tour," Weiss said. "This visit highlights the importance of our mission here in 6th Fleet, as well as the sacrifices made by our sailors and their families while deployed forward."

Patrol Squadron 9’s crew members appreciated the opportunity to demonstrate their military skills to Dempsey.

“I was able to show how our ability to utilize multiple sensors simultaneously allows us to handle even the most complicated missions,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Medrano.

Patrol Squadron 9 was established on March 15, 1951, and is assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The squadron consists of 71 officers and 276 enlisted personnel who maintain and operate eight Lockheed P-3C Orion aircraft. The squadron is forward deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility and is currently assigned to CTF 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout the European and African areas of responsibility.